PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 2 Whats Wrong a Short Assessment

Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 2300 Introduction to Addiction Theories

Prof. Name

Date

PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 2 Whats Wrong a Short Assessment

Ann’s case is most consistent with severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) based on the substance-use symptoms described in the case and the DSM-5 diagnostic framework. Her daily alcohol consumption, impaired control, continued use despite negative consequences, tolerance, withdrawal, craving, and disruption of personal and social responsibilities indicate a serious pattern of alcohol misuse that warrants professional assessment and treatment. At the same time, Ann’s willingness to seek help and the support of her husband are important protective factors that may contribute to recovery.

Client Assessment Information

Client: Ann
Assessment Date: March 31, 2022
Primary Substance: Alcohol
Most Recent Use: Previous day
Reported Frequency: Daily

The assessment indicates that Ann has developed a problematic pattern of alcohol use. Although the case does not describe a longstanding history of alcohol misuse, her recent drinking has become frequent and appears to be connected to a significant stressor in her life.

Understanding the timing and progression of Ann’s alcohol use is important for determining the severity of the problem. Clinicians should consider how frequently she drinks, how much alcohol she consumes, whether she can control her use, and how drinking affects her physical health, relationships, work, and other responsibilities.

Substance Use History

Alcohol is the primary substance of concern in Ann’s assessment. The available information indicates that she did not previously have a significant history of alcohol misuse but has recently developed a pattern of daily drinking.

The recent increase in alcohol consumption is clinically important because substance use may sometimes develop or worsen in response to stress, emotional difficulties, changes in family circumstances, or other environmental factors. A complete assessment should therefore examine both Ann’s drinking behavior and the circumstances surrounding its development.

Sociocultural and Environmental Factors

Ann’s social environment is an important part of understanding her substance use. She is employed and lives with her husband, children, and a parent who moved from another part of the country. The case does not report current or previous legal problems.

Ann also reports no known family history of substance use. Although family history can be a relevant risk factor, the absence of such a history does not prevent an individual from developing a substance use disorder.

One of Ann’s strongest protective factors is her family support. Her husband recognizes that alcohol has become a problem and is willing to support her in obtaining treatment. A supportive family environment can help improve treatment engagement and encourage healthier coping strategies.

DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder is diagnosed when problematic alcohol use causes clinically significant impairment or distress and meets the required diagnostic criteria. The DSM-5 uses the number of criteria present to determine whether AUD is mild, moderate, or severe.

Based on the information provided in Ann’s case, she demonstrates multiple symptoms associated with AUD. These include:

• Drinking alcohol in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.

• Difficulty controlling or reducing alcohol consumption.

• Spending considerable time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.

• Experiencing cravings or a strong desire to drink.

• Continuing to drink despite physical or psychological problems.

• Continuing alcohol use despite interpersonal or social difficulties.

• Experiencing problems fulfilling important responsibilities.

• Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities.

• Using alcohol in physically hazardous situations.

• Developing tolerance.

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

The presence of multiple DSM-5 criteria indicates that Ann’s alcohol use is more serious than occasional or social drinking. When six or more criteria are present, the DSM-5 classifies Alcohol Use Disorder as severe.

DSM-5 Diagnosis

Based on the case information, the applicable diagnosis is:

Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe
DSM-5 Code: 303.90 (F10.20)

A formal diagnosis should always be established by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive assessment. For the purposes of this academic case, however, the symptoms described are consistent with severe Alcohol Use Disorder.

Why Does Ann Meet the Criteria for Severe AUD?

Ann’s drinking has affected several areas of her life and appears to involve both impaired control and continued alcohol use despite harmful consequences. Her reported tolerance, withdrawal, and cravings further demonstrate that her alcohol use has progressed beyond occasional consumption.

The diagnosis is supported by the number and nature of the symptoms described in the case. In particular, continued drinking despite negative consequences, difficulty controlling use, interference with responsibilities, tolerance, and withdrawal are significant indicators of an alcohol-related disorder.

Ann also has factors that may support successful treatment. She recognizes that her alcohol use is problematic, is willing to seek assistance, and has support from her husband. These factors do not eliminate the seriousness of the disorder, but they can be valuable components of a recovery plan.

Understanding Ann’s Alcohol Use Through an Addiction Perspective

Ann’s situation can also be understood by considering the relationship between substance use, stress, environment, and coping. Because the case describes a relatively recent development of problematic drinking, it is important to explore what circumstances may have contributed to the change.

Substance use can sometimes become a maladaptive coping mechanism when individuals experience significant stress or emotional challenges. Fetting and Fetting (2016) emphasize the importance of considering substance use within the broader context of an individual’s experiences, environment, and coping patterns.

For Ann, treatment should therefore address more than the alcohol consumption itself. Identifying the stressors associated with her drinking may help healthcare professionals develop healthier coping strategies and reduce the likelihood of continued substance misuse.

Ethical Considerations in Ann’s Assessment

Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical consideration when assessing and treating substance use disorders. Ann’s personal and clinical information should be protected and handled according to applicable laws, professional standards, and organizational policies.

The NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of protecting client confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive information. Substance use records can contain highly personal information, making appropriate privacy protections particularly important.

Electronic records should be secured through appropriate access controls and other security measures. Physical records should also be stored securely, with access restricted to authorized individuals. Information should only be disclosed when legally permitted, appropriately authorized, or otherwise required under applicable regulations.

Treatment and Recovery Considerations

Ann’s treatment plan should address both her alcohol use and the factors contributing to or maintaining the behavior. Because daily alcohol use and withdrawal are reported, a qualified healthcare professional should evaluate her for potential withdrawal-related risks before making decisions about reducing or stopping alcohol consumption.

A comprehensive approach may include further substance-use assessment, medical evaluation, behavioral health support, counseling, development of healthier coping strategies, and appropriate treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Ann’s willingness to seek assistance and her husband’s support can also be incorporated into the recovery process when appropriate and with consideration for Ann’s preferences and confidentiality. Family involvement may provide additional encouragement and accountability while helping establish a healthier home environment.

Treatment should remain individualized and should reflect Ann’s physical, psychological, social, and substance-related needs.

Protective Factors That May Support Recovery

Although Ann’s case involves significant risks, several factors may support treatment and recovery. Her recognition that alcohol use has become problematic is an important starting point. Her willingness to seek professional help also suggests potential readiness for change.

Her husband’s awareness of the problem and willingness to provide support may further strengthen her recovery environment. Identifying these protective factors can help healthcare professionals build a treatment plan around Ann’s existing strengths rather than focusing only on the problems associated with alcohol use.

Key Takeaway

Ann’s case is consistent with severe Alcohol Use Disorder because she demonstrates numerous symptoms associated with problematic alcohol use, including impaired control, craving, continued use despite negative consequences, interference with responsibilities, tolerance, and withdrawal. The number of reported DSM-5 criteria supports the severe classification.

The case also demonstrates why a substance-use assessment should consider the whole person rather than focusing exclusively on alcohol consumption. Ann’s family circumstances, stressors, support system, willingness to seek treatment, and coping strategies are all relevant to understanding her condition and developing an appropriate recovery plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the diagnosis in PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 2?

The case is most consistent with Alcohol Use Disorder, severe (F10.20). The reported symptoms indicate multiple DSM-5 criteria for AUD, including impaired control, craving, continued use despite negative consequences, tolerance, and withdrawal.

Why is Ann’s Alcohol Use Disorder considered severe?

AUD is classified as severe when an individual meets six or more DSM-5 criteria. The case describes numerous symptoms affecting Ann’s personal, social, and functional life, supporting the severe classification.

What are the main symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

Common symptoms include difficulty controlling alcohol use, drinking more or longer than intended, cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, continued drinking despite problems, failure to fulfill responsibilities, and reduced participation in important activities.

What are protective factors in Ann’s case?

Ann’s willingness to seek treatment and her husband’s recognition of the problem and willingness to support her are important protective factors. Family support can help encourage treatment participation and healthier coping strategies.

Why are sociocultural factors important in substance-use assessment?

Sociocultural factors help clinicians understand the environment surrounding substance use. Family relationships, employment, living arrangements, stressors, social support, and other circumstances can influence both the development of substance misuse and the recovery process.

What ethical issue is especially important when assessing substance use?

Confidentiality is a major ethical consideration. Substance-use information is highly sensitive, so healthcare and addiction professionals must protect client information and follow applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and authorization requirements.

Should Ann stop drinking immediately?

Because the case describes daily alcohol use and withdrawal, Ann should receive professional medical guidance before stopping or significantly reducing alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous for some individuals, and the appropriate level of care should be determined through a professional assessment.

What treatment may help someone with severe Alcohol Use Disorder?

Treatment varies according to individual needs and may include medical assessment, withdrawal management when necessary, behavioral therapies, counseling, medications approved for AUD, peer or recovery support, and family involvement when appropriate. A qualified healthcare professional should determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 2 Whats Wrong a Short Assessment

Fetting, M., & Fetting, M. (2016). Perspectives on substance use, disorders, and addiction: With clinical cases. SAGE Publications. https://us.sagepub.com/

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. (2021). NAADAC/NCC AP code of ethics. https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/naadac_code_of_ethics_112021.pdf